​They say wrinkle signifies wisdom, but who would like to welcome this sign? Wrinkles are inevitable part of ageing because as we get older our skin produces less collagen and elastin, therefore it loses elasticity so we end up with dry, loose and sagging skin, Elastin and collagen are proteins found naturally in the body that maintains skin elasticity and tightness. Sun exposure is the most common cause of wrinkles however other factors like Ultraviolet, smoking, free radicals, hormones, genetics and repeated facial movements may also cause wrinkles. If you’re looking for ways to tighten your skin without the extended healing time, pain, and expense of cosmetic surgery, you may want to consider the following non invasive procedures:

Multipolar radio frequency (RF) This procedure, which is relatively new, is a non-surgical option for people who want to treat wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Multipolar Radiofrequency uses electric energy to treat the skin of the face , neck and other parts of the body by heating up the superficial and deep layer of the skin thus stimulating collagen production. New collagen produced by the body will then smoothen and lift the skin. This procedure requires no incisions and has less chances of side effects.Another option for wrinkle reduction is Laser treatment. Syneron- Candela, a leading laser company,developed a technology called Elos (Electro opical synergy) that combines the power of Diode laser and bipolar RF. This combination directly heat the second layer (dermis) of the skin and stimulate the production of collagen therefore achieving youthful, firm and toned appearance without downtime. Lasers and Lights are ideal for targeting signs of ageing including sagging under eyes, saggy brow lines and nasolabial folds. A non-invasive lifting procedure that has been in the market longer is Galvanic Iontophoresis. Galvanic Iontophoresis Facial is the therapeutic introduction of soluble salts into tissue by means of electric current.It increases penetration of drugs into surface tissue without the pain of injections. This helps reduce wrinkles, buff and tone up the skin and reduce puffy eyebags. For wrinkle iontophoresis ,retinoic acid. hyaluronic acid, or vitamit C serums are pushed into the skin to fight the free radicals that causes the skin to sag or wrinkle.Ultrasonic Facial is another non-invasive, powerfully effective treatment that rejuvenates skin. It emits low frequency sound waves that are used to deliver products more deeply and breaks down oily deposits thus removing imperfections, softens the skin and irons out wrinkles.Prevention is always better than cure so to avoid photoageing , use a good hypoallergenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sunscreen must be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and must be reapplied every 2-3 hours. Avoid smoking as it has been proven to cause premature ageing. Ultraviolet exposure through the use of tanning bed is also discouraged because not only will it cause premature wrinkles it will also increase the chances of skin cancer (melanoma ) especially among young girls.

Author

Gloria Octaviano is a Physician-Dermatologist in the Philippines, she is a member of the International Society of Dermatology and a diplomate of The Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology.

Manuel Octaviano is a Physician in the Philippines, he is a Fellow of the Anti Ageing Medical Society and a member of Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology. Manny is a Skin and laser consultant/educator. ​